what to expect
At True North, kids discover that they can trust Jesus in a wild world! True North is filled with awesome Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear, and touch!
Throughout their week with us at Friends Church, your child will experience standout activities that help faith flow into real life!
- Hands-on science experiments
- Team-building games
- Unforgettable Bible songs
- Tasty treats
- and much more!
Plus, we’ll help kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life—something we call God Sightings®. Get ready to hear that phrase a lot!
tips for a successful week at VBS
- Drop Offs and Pick Ups
4 years – Kindergarten are dropped off & picked up at the children’s wing entrance in the Grand Concourse
1st grade-6th grade are dropped off & picked up in their assigned pew in the sanctuary (pew assignments are based on classroom assignments, which can be found printed on their nametag)
Registration/check-in begins at 7:30 am & goes until 8:05 am.
- Keeping your child safe.
Upon check-in every morning, each child will receive a name tag sticker with a printed code. The parent/guardian will receive a tag with the matching code. Upon pickup, each parent/guardian will be asked to present the matching tag/code before any child will be released.
If someone else is picking up other than who dropped off: a picture of the matching tag is acceptable. Tags/codes change every day for security so be sure to get your parent tag at check-in each morning.
All adults working in any capacity with VBS have been background checked.
We also have licensed medical professionals onsite all week
- What you should bring.
There is no need to send anything extra, however, some children prefer to bring their own water bottle.
If you think your child may need extra clothes: be sure to write your child’s name on the clothing and put it in a ziplock bag.
Children who bring their Bible or a friend can earn extra tokens to use at the Missions Store!
- What you should wear.
Since everything is hands-on, kids might get a little messy. Be sure to send them in play clothes. And, we want your kiddos to be able to move around easily and participate in all activities – closed-toe shoes are best for VBS (flip flops and sandals are fabulous for all things summer – just not VBS) Thanks for understanding!
- Will there be food-sensitive snacks available?
Yes. Be sure to fill out the medical part of the registration with any food allergies your child has. We will also have a sticker at the check-in station for you to put on your child’s tag to ensure we see the allergy.
- Can I stay while my kids are at VBS?
Parents are welcome to attend the opening or closing session each day of VBS, but are asked to sit in the pews at the back of the sanctuary.
- What do the 5th and 6th graders do at VBS?
5th & 6th graders spend their day in the IFLC with lessons, activities, games, & crafts that are geared to their age. They still join the opening and closing each day in the sanctuary.
They also travel offsite a couple of times during the week. In the past, they have visited the bike trail and used chalk to write scripture & encouraging messages along the trail. They have completed service projects in the community. No child will leave the church without a permission slip.
- Do my kids have to attend Friends Church to attend VBS?
No, any child ages 4 years through 6th grade are welcome to attend.
- Where do I purchase a t-shirt for my child and how much are they?
You can purchase t-shirts when you register your child for VBS participation. Youth-size shirts are $8.00 and Adult sizes are $10.00.
